The girl as no assets to go after. some states you can try and garnish wages. often times its futile

If you’re handy which it sounds like you are, and are able to source and negotiate good deals  (which by being a long time local with an existing social network makes that part easier) then these skills will help you save money on rehab costs and by buying right (critical).

The conference was the first of it's type I've attended...

Be very careful with this as a first time project! 

They don't provide the data first.

Yes, they make take longer, but if you buy them right and price them right, you will always sell first. 

It will take time, but they are out there.

I’m new to real estate investing and am in the process of trying to acquire my first property.  

I'm a first time landlord and my first tenant moves in in 2 weeks.

Airbnb was the first of the OTA’s (Outside Travel Agents) to offer payments into the future for guests.